On their way to their next class, Luhan and Minseok met Baekhyun at the hallway. 

Baekhyun stared at Minseok intensely like he is about to cry.

Luhan, to his surprise wrapped his arms around Minseok’s waist. 

“Babe, let’s hurry up. We will be late to our next class” Luhan spoke. 

Both guys walked but Minseok was still staring at Baekhyun. He was wondering why the other was about to break into tears. 

“Hey baozi, don’t get too distracted. You want to avoid him, right? I’m just trying to help you here”. Luhan was explaining while they were walking towards the parking lot. 

Minseok let out a sigh. After all these years of not seeing Baekhyun, here he is. Still concerned about the man’s well being. He still wants to take care of him. It is like an automatic reflex everytime he sees Baekhyun. 

“Lu, I think I am being too harsh. He doesn’t deserve it, right? Maybe he just wants to talk to me after I have ignored him all these years. Maybe I was just being too judgmental. Maybe I.. I need to talk..”

Minseok was silenced by Luhan’s kiss. Luhan kissed Minseok roughly and the other was too shocked to respond. 

When Luhan finally lets go, Minseok froze. He was unable to make a move. He was unable to utter any single word.

”Minseok, I like you. I really do. When you’re always there for me. For us. When you showed concern and affection, I started to feel butterflies. I didn’t know when, but one day I woke up and realized I like you so much. And.. and now he’s back in your life; I even do not know his intentions, I don’t want you to get distracted. I want you to focus on me, on us”.

Luhan continued.

”After all these years, why did he decide to suddenly show up? Why now?” Luhan started crying. 

“I’m sorry, Lu. I didn’t mean it this way. I mean, I like you but not how you want me to like you back. Maybe if you’ll give me time to think. I need to talk to Baekhyun and understand his intentions. Then maybe, we can start up. I just.. I just don’t want you to keep hanging and expect anything for now. I am really sorry.” 

“I understand my Baozi. Please take your time and I will wait until you fix things. I am always here for you, ok?. I’ll do my best for you to like me back”.

They both hugged for a few minutes. 

——————————

After a few days of thinking through, Minseok finally decided to confront Baekhyun. 

When he saw Baekhyun at the corridor, he grabbed the man’s hands and took him to the garden where only a few students stay. 

“Baekhyun, I don’t know how or why. But why are you here? What are your intentions?”

Baekhyun flashed his signature box smile and Minseok was captivated.

”What now??” Minseok was trying to act calm. 

“Ss.. Sseokie”. Baekhyun started talking. 

“I.. uhm.. I don’t know where to start but first, I want to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not being honest. I was so afraid of losing you and I broke down. I confessed to Jongin and I didn’t know he’ll use it against me. He liked Krystal and used me just to get closer to her. All this time he was kissing me, he was disgusted. He ditched me and everyone knew. Everyone knew I was gay. I was embarassed. My senior year was all hell. The past few years have been bitter to me. I was a mess”. 

“So, how does it relate to you being here in my school?” Minseok questioned.

”I didn’t bother bugging you again after all these years because I knew it was all my fault. I wanted you to move on and focus on your studies. So I resulted to being an alcoholic. I skipped classes every now and then because I was too drunk to get up the next day. I.. However..” He gulped.

”I didn’t forget about our friendship. It was special. I knew you genuinely cared for me and I was so immature and preoccupied of being with Jongin that time but I was an . Seokie, I knew by heart you meant well. I knew you adore me and I was so stupid for not being the best for you. I didn’t have peace. I hope it’s not too late to rekindle what we lost. And I really want to understand why you ignored me so suddenly”. A tear was shedding from Baekhyun’s eyes. 

“Bbaek.. Baekhyun. I am sorry you have to go through all of those experiences. I am sorry I wasn’t there to protect you. I am sorry I was being so immature and selfish. We were kids after all. But I wanted to forget. I wanted to start a new life. I wanted to be happier. I liked you so much that I couldn’t bear thinking you’ve replaced me. That you were desperate for someone new that’s why you confessed to Jongin. I decided to let go because I know you’d be happier”

”But But I wasn’t.” Baekhyun stuttered.